1	New Jersey’s 21^st Century Community Learning Centers Program New Jersey Department of Education November 2002
2	What is a Community Learning Center? An entity that: Assists students in meeting State and local standards in core academic subjects; Provides students and families with education enrichment activities; Offers activities during nonschool hours or periods when school is not in session (such as before- and after-school or during summer recess);
3	What is a Community Learning Center? (cont’d) Reinforces and complements the regular academic programs of the schools attended by the students served; and Offers families of the students served opportunities for literacy and related educational development.
4	How the Vision Started 1997 USDOE and Charles Steward Mott Foundation formed a unique partnership. Mott provided the USDOE with $100 million multi-year commitment for high quality after-school enrichment opportunities for communities & families in need. Nationally, approximately 6,800 rural and inner-city programs within 1,420 communities participated in the program.
5	Why The Vision Started Research provides evidence that children in after-school programs: have better grades, conduct, peer relations and attendance; are 49% less likely to use drugs and 37% less likely to become teen parents; and have greater opportunity to explore the arts, music, drama, community service and technology.
6	Typical 21^st CCLC Programs Operated 4 Centers and received over $500,000 per year for services; Served just under 200 children (half of whom attend the program regularly) and an average of 60 adults; More than 80% were open at least 2 hrs a day, 5 days a week (55% are open at least 3 hrs a day); and 2/3 supported summer programs (1/2 are open 25 or more hours per week).
7	National Lessons Learned 40% of all 21^st CCLC participating students increased grades in Math and English; 34% of all 21^st CCLC participating middle and high school students showed increased GPA by a quarter grade; 36% of elementary school students reportedly improved their conduct; and Participating students score higher on standardized achievement tests.
8	No Child Left Behind Act 2002 Reauthorized 21st CCLC under Title IV Part B of the ESEA. Recognizes importance of programs and strategies scientifically proven to be effective. Provides formula funds to SEAs.
9	Legislative Vision Keep children safe; Stimulate community-school partnerships; Provide academic support that compliments the regular school day;
10	Legislative Vision (cont.) Provide enriching learning opportunities during nonschool hours or periods when school is not in session; and Ensure access and equity through professional development, TA, evaluation, identification of promising practices and outreach.
11	21^st CCLC Program Purpose 1. Establish or expand community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities for children (particularly students who attend high poverty and low performing schools) to meet state and local standards in core academic subjects,
12	21^st CCLC Program Purpose (cont.) 2. Offer students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic program, and 3. Offer literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.
13	Legislative Changes Implement activities based on scientific research; Focus services on academic enrichment opportunities; Increase accountability at the State and local levels; Expand locations; and Require funds to supplement and NOT supplant.
14	Governor’s Education Agenda Executive level collaboration: Education Cabinet, governor’s councils, Early Literacy Task Force, Character Education Commission; Focus on literacy standards, teacher quality, accountability, working with business leaders;
15	Governor’s Education Agenda (cont.) Establish seamless system from preschool through college and beyond; and Develop a highly skilled workforce.
16	New Jersey’s Need New Jersey is home to 1,460,000 youth ages 5 to 17. Nearly 13,200 of New Jersey’s children were served through the programs supported by the USDOE 21^st CCLC initiative. In 2001 alone, 52 New Jersey communities who applied for 21^st CCLC grants did not receive funding, which represented $37 million and roughly 70,000 additional kids.
17	Eligible Entities All public or private organizations including: local educational agencies, community-based organizations, city or county government agencies, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, for-profit corporations, or consortia of two or more of such agencies, organizations, or entities.
18	Targeted Population Awards will be made only to eligible entities that propose to serve … students who primarily attend schools that are eligible for Title I schoolwide programs; or schools that serve a high percentage of students from low-income families; and the families of those students.
19	Allowable Activities Academic Enrichment Activities Remedial education activities; Mathematics and science education activities; Programs that emphasize language skills and academic achievement for limited English proficient students; Telecommunications and technology education programs;
20	Allowable Activities (cont.) Academic Enrichment Activities (cont.) Tutoring services (including those provided by senior citizen volunteers) and mentoring programs; Programs that provide assistance to students who have been truant, suspended, or expelled to allow the students to improve their academic achievement; and Expanded library service hours.
21	Allowable Activities (cont.) Educational Enrichment Activities Entrepreneurial education programs; Recreational activities; Arts and music education activities; Programs that promote parental involvement and family literacy; and Drug and violence prevention programs, counseling programs, and character education programs.
22	Federal Mandates Competitive priority given to applications that: propose to serve students who attend a school identified for improvement under Title I, and are submitted jointly. Local programs meet principles of effectiveness. Grantees outline a plan for sustainability.
23	New Jersey’s Program Design $7.4 M statewide allocation 95% for grants 21^St CCLC Advisory Committee
24	New Jersey’s Program Emphasis Educational excellence for ALL students (including those children/families with disabilities, bilingual needs, etc.); Character education; Family literacy; Community collaboration; and Quality program characteristics.
25	Additional Resources http://www.nj.gov/njded/21cclc (NJDOE program website) http://www.ed.gov/21stcclc (USDOE program website) http://www.aftershool.gov (other related link)
26	Contact Information Office of Program Support Services P.O. Box 500 Trenton, NJ 08625 (609) 292-5935 Fax (609) 633-9655 Website: www.nj.gov/njded/21cclc Email: nj21stcclc@doe.state.nj.us